Unique Melody MEST mkII VS Ice Lab Spectrumica
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Unique Melody MEST mkII and Ice Lab Spectrumica are in-ear monitors. Unique Melody MEST mkII costs $1,500 while Ice Lab Spectrumica costs $2,000. Ice Lab Spectrumica is $500 more expensive. Unique Melody MEST mkII holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 7.6). Unique Melody MEST mkII carries a user score of 7.5. Unique Melody MEST mkII has significantly better mids with a 1.5-point edge, Ice Lab Spectrumica has better treble with a 0.9-point edge and Ice Lab Spectrumica has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Unique Melody MEST mkII | Ice Lab Spectrumica |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.1 | 7.6 |
| Mids | 7.5 | 6 |
| Treble | 7.1 | 8 |
| Details | 8.2 | 7.6 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 7.4 |
| Technicalities | 8 | 8 |
Unique Melody MEST mkII Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Ice Lab Spectrumica Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.6Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Super* Review
10*
* score rescaled + normalized
Buy Unique Melody MEST mkII on Linsoul
Ad
Price: $1,499
Buy Unique Melody MEST mkII on Linsoul
Ice Lab Spectrumica reviewed by Super* Review
7*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The Ice Lab Spectrumica targets the “why spend $2,000” question with a mix of story and sound: ornate yet understated aluminum shells, a substantial but usable cable with 4.4 mm termination, and a stuffed accessory kit (tips in three styles, metal case, cleaning tools, even a metal warranty card). It’s a quad-brid build—4 BA + 2 EST + 1 DD + 1 bone conduction—that wears lighter than it looks and fits securely thanks to a short, ~6.4 mm nozzle and modest semi-custom shaping. Ergonomics aren’t flawless (the chunky Y-split and loose chin slider), but overall presentation feels premium and purposefully different.
Sonically, Spectrumica goes esoteric: a very warm, bass-forward balance with recessed vocals and treble that reads a touch dark yet extends cleanly for a gentle sparkle. The heavy low end creates a big, sometimes diffuse headstage—that “concert-hall” vibe—delivering weight and ambience more than taut impact; attack definition on kick and bass notes is softer. Detail focus leans macro over micro, so microcontrast and vocal clarity can slip on busy mixes, even as the treble avoids harshness.
Against peers, Moondrop Solis 2 sounds more neutral with tighter bass but lacks the immediate wow factor (and its comfort quirks don’t help), while 64 Audio Volür brings a more assertive V-shape with crisper, more tactile lows but less of Spectrumica’s enveloping stage. Spectrumica ultimately feels like a deliberate one-trick specialist—a unique, lush presentation backed by standout build and accessories. For listeners chasing that warm, cinematic, laid-back signature, it’s compelling; for neutral and vocal-centric tastes, less so. Final verdict: 3 stars—pricey, distinctive, and memorable, with clear trade-offs.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelUnique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.9
* score rescaled + normalized
Ice Lab Spectrumica reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Unique Melody MEST mkII (more reviews)
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
UM MEST MKII delivers a distinctly sub-bass-oriented low end with excellent speed, separation, and texture. Mid-bass is punchy but avoids bloat, keeping the presentation clean and avoiding bleed. The unconventional decision to keep the 1–5 kHz region flatter and push energy into 5–15 kHz pays off: vocals stay open, natural, and clear—reminiscent of Variations but with a cleaner, leaner midrange and a more refined overall balance.
The stage is impressively wide and expansive—on the level of sets like Z1R and U12t—yet with notably better vocals. Treble is well-extended, slightly aggressive in a good way, and highly resolving, rendering micro-details with ease without tipping into artificial sharpness. As a result, technical ability—clarity, separation, and imaging—is top tier, making dense tracks feel effortless while still bringing energy and excitement to hip-hop and retaining emotional nuance for ballads.
In sum, MEST MKII stands out as a true all-rounder “endgame” that justifies its $1,500 tag more convincingly than most. Notable comparisons place it a step above sets like Meteor, Mahina, and Variations for the mix of enjoyment and technicalities, though value hunters may note EJ07M achieves roughly “90%” of the experience at a fraction of the price. The only caveat: treble can become too lively at very loud volumes (80 dB+), but at normal listening levels, MEST MKII remains a compelling benchmark for its category.
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Audionotions
8.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Shuwa-T
8
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Nymz
7.6
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Precogvision
7.1
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by Crin
6.5
Reviewer Score
Unique Melody MEST mkII reviewed by
Fresh Reviews
5.5*
* The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming
Score
Ice Lab Spectrumica (more reviews)
Ice Lab Spectrumica reviewed by Jaytiss
8.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Ice Lab Spectrumica is a nine-driver hybrid with dynamic bass, ESTs, and a bone-conduction driver, priced around $2,100. Build is exceedingly premium: a semi-custom, well-contoured shell with vents and an anti-tragus wing, a tidy flat 2-pin socket for easy cable swaps, and a straight-behaving stock cable terminated in 4.4 mm. The metallic puck case looks neat—nothing wild, but solid. Fit is comfortable if a touch large, and the faceplate has real visual flair.
Tonally this comes across as a colored, high-energy listen: sizzly cymbals, crisp treble with plenty of air and extension, and impactful mid-bass that favors warmth over subterranean rumble—there’s less sub-bass slam than expected at the price. Vocals sit a bit soft and recessed, while staging spreads wide with good clarity. Graphs reflect a noticeable lower-mid/mid-bass rise that can read as slightly muddy depending on taste; still, treble quality and spatial rendering are genuine highlights.
Against peers, Spectrumica feels “good but not greatest.” It’s cleaner and airier than the Prismatica (which skews muddier), yet the Glacier makes a stronger case overall; sets like Symphonium Giant deliver a fun boom-tilted flavor with similar trade-offs. For alternative value and balance, AFUL Dawn-X around $1,300 is a compelling pick. Call the bass a solid 8, with treble and soundstage being the stars. Overall: a beautifully built, distinctive tuning that earns a cautious recommendation at its price—absolutely worth a demo for listeners who crave sparkle, space, and a warmer mid-bass tilt, even if it won’t be the universal endgame.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Unique Melody MEST mkII Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Warm, V-Shaped
Brand: Unique Melody Top Unique Melody IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,500
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Ice Lab Spectrumica Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: Warm
Price (Msrp): $2,000
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Unique Melody MEST mkII User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7.5Strongly Favorable
Ice Lab Spectrumica User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Unique Melody MEST mkII Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.8Gaming Grade
B+Ice Lab Spectrumica Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.3Gaming Grade
BUnique Melody MEST mkII Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Overall technical control is strong, presenting instruments with clarity and sensible staging. Textures are portrayed with satisfying clarity.
Ice Lab Spectrumica Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
Unique Melody MEST mkII User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewIce Lab Spectrumica User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS